Quote Originally Posted by THE BOOGER View Post
MRH 90 and sea sprite but we sent the sprites back or are they still at nowra
In 1997, Australia signed an $A 667 million contract with Kaman to purchase 11 upgraded SH-2G (A) “Super Seasprites,” with modernized avionics. This compact helicopter design was thought to be well suited to operation from the RAN’s ANZAC Class frigates, and even from patrol boats with helicopter decks. The first helicopter was unveiled in 2003, but by 2005 up to 40 deficiencies had been identified including inability to operate in bad weather and low-light conditions, and inability to meet Australian airworthiness certification standards. Placing modern avionics into a 1960s airframe proved challenging indeed; the helicopters were restricted to “passenger and supply transport in good weather” in 2005, then grounded in May 2006.

The project is now 6 years behind schedule, costs have risen over 50% to $A 1.1 billion (currently about $900 million) for 11 helicopters, and the program is being used as a case study in the Australian Defence College’s leadership and ethics course. It’s estimated that at least $A 45 million more and 29 months of work would be required to make them serviceable, with full operational status unlikely until at least 2010. Other SH-2 operators include New Zealand (from its ANZAC frigates), Egypt, and Poland.

In 2007, Australia’s Liberal Party government elected to continue the Super Seasprite program – but their successor Labor government has reversed that decision, and come to an interesting agreement with Kaman…

March 20/08: The government of Australia and Kaman Corp. announce an agreement re: cancellation of the Seasprite contract. Subject to US Government approval under defense technology export laws, Kaman will own the 11 SH-2G-A Super Seasprite helicopters, along with spare parts and associated equipment, for sale on the open market. The Australian Government and Kaman would share in the profits of subsequent sales on a 50/50 basis, with a guaranteed financial return of A$ 39.5 million/ $US 37 million. At least $25 million will be paid by March 2011, plus $6 million (US) each in 2012 and 2013.

Kaman will forego payment on approximately $35 million (US) in net unbilled receivables in exchange for the helicopters, spare parts and equipment, which will be recorded as inventory and is expected to exceed the amount of the net unbilled receivables and the guaranteed payments. The Australian government described it as A$ 30 million worth of spares that will be retained by Australia for use on the Seahawk and Black Hawk helicopter fleets.

The cancellation avoids A$ 150 million in planned spending on the Seasprite project.


And theres a bunker of Penguin Missiles, never going to be used that were for the sea sprites..
Still not bad looking..